Peripheral Nerve Health
Peripheral nerves play a vital role in our body, serving as the communication channels between the brain and the rest of the body. They are responsible for transmitting important sensory and motor signals that enable us to perform a wide range of functions such as movement, touch, and pain sensation. Therefore, maintaining good peripheral nerve health is critical to ensuring that our body functions properly. Any injury or damage to the peripheral nerves can result in a variety of debilitating symptoms, including muscle weakness, numbness, and chronic pain.
At the Dr. Ilyas Munshi, M. D. neurological surgery clinic, the importance of peripheral nerve health cannot be overstated. The clinic strives to provide specialized care and treatment for conditions affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral nervous system. By focusing on the health of the peripheral nerves, the clinic can help patients prevent or manage a wide range of conditions such as nerve damage, entrapment syndromes, and neuropathies. Moreover, by providing comprehensive and individualized care for these conditions, the clinic can help patients achieve optimal outcomes and regain their quality of life. Our strong emphasis on peripheral nerve health is essential for our neurological surgery clinic to provide high-quality care to our patients.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Overview
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition that can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the wrist and hand.
Anatomy
The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway that lies at the base of the hand. The median nerve runs along the arm and into the hand through the carpal tunnel. The median nerve controls muscles at the base of the thumb and sensation along the middle finger, index finger, and thumb.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel. This compression may occur as a result of trauma, inflammation, or a structural abnormality.
Causes
- Trauma
- Repeated overuse of hands
- Development of cyst or tumor in canal
Symptoms
- Wrist and/or hand pain
- Hand and finger numbness/ tingling
- Hand weakness
Diagnosis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may be able to be diagnosed following a thorough history and physical exam. In addition to clinical findings, your healthcare provider may wish to order additional diagnostic tests such as an electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing.
Treatment
Based on the patient’s presentation, imaging, and severity of disease initial treatment may vary. Conservative treatments include medications, activity modification, or wrist bracing. In some cases, a carpal tunnel release surgery may be necessary.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Overview
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome can occur when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the cubital tunnel of the elbow becomes inflamed, swollen, or irritated.
Anatomy
The cubital tunnel is a narrow, rigid passageway that runs along the posterior aspect of the elbow. The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel and innervates sensation and motor functions of the hand.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed within the cubital tunnel. This compression may occur as a result of trauma, inflammation, or a structural abnormality.
Causes
- Trauma
- Repeated overuse or bending of elbows
- Arthritis
Symptoms
- Elbow pain
- Wrist and/or hand pain
- Ring or pinky finger numbness
- Hand weakness
Diagnosis
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome may be able to be diagnosed following a thorough history and physical exam. In addition to clinical findings, your healthcare provider may wish to order additional diagnostic tests such as an electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing.
Treatment
Based on the patient’s presentation, imaging, and severity of disease initial treatment may vary. Conservative treatments include medications, activity modification, or elbow bracing. In some cases, cubital tunnel release surgery may be necessary.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Overview
Carpal tunnel release is a surgery procedure used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Who is a Candidate?
This surgery is performed for symptomatic relief of a carpal tunnel syndrome. Typically surgery is considered if nonsurgical options for carpal tunnel syndrome do not relieve pain or symptoms.
What Happens During Surgery?
- A small, approximately 2 inch, incision will be made on the wrist.
- Once the median nerve is identified, surgical instruments will be used to cut the carpal tunnel ligament and enlarge the carpal tunnel.
- The skin is then closed with sutures and a gauze dressing is placed on the skin.
Recovery
- Carpal Tunnel Release surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.
- The recovery period following carpal tunnel surgery can take anywhere from a few days to weeks.
Potential Complications
- Median nerve damage
- Hand weakness or numbness
- Injury to surrounding structures (i.e. artery and nerves)
- No surgery is risk free, other complications include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, injury, or even death.
Disclaimer: This information is strictly informational and not intended for medical advice. If you have any questions about surgical procedures, symptoms, or restrictions following surgery please contact your physician.
Cubital Tunnel Release
Overview
Cubital tunnel release is a surgery procedure used to treat cubital tunnel syndrome.
Who is a Candidate?
This surgery is performed for symptomatic relief of a cubital tunnel syndrome. Typically surgery is considered if nonsurgical options for cubital tunnel syndrome do not relieve pain or symptoms.
What Happens During Surgery?
- An incision is made on the medial aspect of the elbow.
- Once the ulnar nerve is identified, surgical instruments will be used to cut the cubital tunnel ligament, Osbourne’s ligament, and enlarge the cubital tunnel.
- The skin is then closed with sutures and a gauze dressing is placed on the skin.
Recovery
- Cubital Tunnel Release surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.
- The recovery period following cubital tunnel surgery can take anywhere from a few days to weeks.
Potential Complications
- Ulnar nerve damage
- Continued arm/ hand weakness or numbness
- No surgery is risk free, other complications include, but are not limited to, bleeding, infection, injury, or even death.
Disclaimer: This information is strictly informational and not intended for medical advice. If you have any questions about surgical procedures, symptoms, or restrictions following surgery please contact your physician.